April 21, 2020 Week 4 Message from Mrs. Spooner April 21, 2020
Dear Ryerson Families,
Greetings from "the hill"! I hope your Week 4 of Distance Learning is off to a great start. If you have not picked up your hard copy packets and wish to do so, these packets will be available until Thursday, April 23rd. Please feel free to drop off your child's completed work as well throughout this week and keep those library books coming! We appreciate it.
Our Ryerson team continues to collaborate and plan for your child. We encourage all families to continue reaching out to us if you have any questions regarding the curriculum and/or how best to support your child's learning at home. Most importantly, we know that during this time there are many additional stressors for families and we maintain the priority at this time is family, safety and everyone's healthy well-being.
Our Ryerson team has generated some helpful tips for families during this Distance Learning time. We hope you find these suggestions helpful and adaptable to your current situation if needed. If you would like further information, please don't hesitate to contact me at 203-245-6440 or at spoonerk@madison.k12.ct.us
It is Week 4 and Setting a Schedule remains difficult?
Young children strive on structure and routine. Children enjoy structure, even if they aren't able to communicate it to you. Setting up the "home-school" day is important for everyone! Some suggestions to eliminate the stress associated with managing your own work schedule along with your child's work schedule. If you can do these, before the week starts, it is one less thing to worry about during the week.
· Create your breakfast menu - Don't deviate! This is for breakfast, because "that's what's on the menu!" · Create your lunch menu – Don't deviate! This is what is for lunch, because "that's what's on the menu!" · Break your day into blocks of time and have a consistent lunch and play time. Be generous with play time! · As much as possible, start your day at the same time every day. · During lunch time, consider playing stories read aloud from Storyline Online, Scholastic, Raz-kids and/or other online reading options. · During the day, when you have to work, schedule those times as your child's quiet reading time or use this time for your child to work on activities that he or she can do independently.
What is the best pace for my child to complete their work?
For many parents, the biggest decisions will be answering the following questions:
· "Does my child need to complete all their academic work first thing in the morning?" Your child may need to get their academic work done and out of the way first thing, if they have a hard time returning from breaks or downtime. · "Does my child need breaks throughout the day or is it more difficult to return to work after breaks are given?" Your child may need to get their academic work done first thing; if you see fatigue or frustrations intensify throughout the day. Your child may need a broken up schedule (one that intermixes academics with play and down time) if they "start strong" during lessons but lose focus as the lesson progresses or the more demands that are required of them to complete the task.
Your child may need a broken up schedule if they are communicating how much they miss school.
· "Will my child complete all the work assigned to them by the end of each day?" You may need to prioritize the quality of your child's work, rather than the quantity. If you and your child are frustrated with the quantity of the work, start small and rotate the days when you complete certain work if need be.
How do I support my active learner?
· Try standing at the kitchen table or counter top to complete work. · Allow your child to use an exercise ball to sit at their desk. · As much as possible, reserve the IPAD/video games/TV time for after your school day is complete. · Build in lots of movement breaks throughout the day. · Designate a work area that is not associated with play. It will be harder to work in an area filled with toys, than a place without toys. · If the goal is to engage in an activity for 15 minutes, schedule 30 minutes for that activity. It will alleviate the stress associated with trying to maximize time.
What are some good tips for supporting my child while we work?
· Use timers for work and breaks. · Praise, praise, praise! Praise cooperation and praise attempts at work (not just correct responding) · Give "forced choice" when possible. Rather than asking "what do you want to do;" provide two options "Do you want to complete option one or option two?" Providing options allows a choice to be made by your child with some adult control. · Be as consistent as possible. · Some children may need to earn a reward throughout the day. Rewards can be anything, not just new toys.
We hope these suggestions have been informative and may be helpful as we move forward with our Distance Learning.
A reminder, Week 5 student packets will be available after 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24th.
Stay healthy and safe!
Kelly K. Spooner
Ryerson Elementary School 982 Durham Road • Madison, CT 06443 • (203) 245-6440 |